December 03, 2003

A Soldier's Night Before Christmas

Major Pain writes:

"This is an old poem; been around for at least 10 years or so. I have never seen an author attributed to it. Every Christmas, at least one of my friends finds it again and sends it to me. I can truly understand this soldier as I, too, end up spending many holidays alone. The opening of gifts Christmas morning is a substitute for my family. The togetherness and just being a part of a family group I miss so sorely. (That's why I resist the "Let's buy only ONE gift for ONE relative this year" plan).

Like Mom, I love Christmas and always intended to celebrate with my husband and 6 children. Well, as life turned out I don't have that family to celebrate with and miss so much the big to-do of Christmas - it's hard to make a big to-do when you are living alone, so this substitutes for my family. It's how I have my family around me as I unwrap their gifts Christmas day!

Pathetic huh? - Its why I've always preferred lots of little gifts, instead one big expensive one or something - I LIKE unwrapping and seeing what's inside. I LIKE the love that *poofs* out of the gift as I unwrap it. I like choosing and wrapping the perfect little something - of course half the time I'm too busy to shop - but I try. And it's such a disappointment when it takes 2 minutes to unwrap your one gift - and you're done... *sniff, whine*
Sorry about that! Had to vent a bit. Spending the holidays in a war zone - bummer.
ANYWAY, Could you post it at the appropriate time on your blog?

A Soldier's Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone.
In a no bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
And to see just who, in this small house did live.

I looked all about, a sad sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents; not even a tree.

By the mantle, no stockings; by the door, boots on sand.
On the wall hung some pictures of a far distant land.

Seeing medals and badges, awards of all kind,
No thoughts of Christmas would stay in my mind.

For this house was different, it was dark; it was dreary,
I'd found the house of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this no bedroom home.

The face was gentle, the room in disorder;
Not how I'd pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I had read?
Curled up on a poncho, just the floor for his bed?

I knew most the families I'd see on this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers, who were willing to fight.

Soon, round the world, the children would play,
And grownups enjoy a bright Christmas day.

They all had their freedom each month of the year,
Because of these soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On this cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.

The thought of their service brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knee and started to cry.

The soldier awakened, and I heard a rough voice:
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep.
I couldn't control it, I started to weep.

I kept watch for hours, silent and still,
And both of us shivered from that cold night's chill.

I hated to leave, on that long, dark night,
This Guardian of Peace, with his Honor so bright.

The soldier rolled over, and his voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on, Santa, all is secure."

I looked at this soldier, on this cold Christmas night.
I thought of his comrades, and knew he was right.

The world is freer, for they're willing to fight,
For Freedom and Christmas, and all that is right.

So to all you, my friends, to U.S. soldiers in all lands,
Know that you are remembered, by family and friends.

For this one special night, may you rest without fight,
With a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

Remember our Men and Women who won't be by our sides this Holiday Season.
But they will always be in our hearts and minds.

(For our Visitors: This verse is based upon a treasured American poem about the mythical Santa Claus, "Twas the Night Before Christmas")
-bear

Comments

hey major--there's still time for us to send you christmas present thru the army mail system, right? you stay in a stationary location, so they know where you are and can get stuff to ya. how bout giving us your APO address so we can send you some presents to unwrap?? and what do you like? you havent given us any clues to what kind of presents you like to get. and what you can have, in the CSH. jewelry? perfume? books? hair doodads? instant foods? c'mon. help us help you!

I think this is the full poem. It's attributed to Lt. Col. Bruce Lovely, USAF

'Twas the night before Christmas,
he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney
with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier,
once I could see clearly.

I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall
and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.

His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean shaven,
his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men
who were willing to fight.

Soon 'round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate
on a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And I covered this Soldier
from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch
embroidered on back.

And although it barely fit me,
I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment,
I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
"Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend,
and to all a good night!

Hello, Major Pain, I ask the same as Janet from Venice Beach did on 12/07/03. Is it too late to send on some Christmas goodies to you & your co-workers & patients? I'm a retired RN in NY. Found your site thru links on another site. I used to work floor staff at Albert Einstein in the Bronx, NY, my first job after graduation from a NJ hospital nursing school in '66. Moved to Columbia Pres. to catch kids next. Almost went for a CNM, but opted for other nursing areas till some med problems sidelined me in the late 80's. My best memory from my L&D nites was picking up on twins on a mom in for a C Section. Got a thanx from the resident the next nite who was not believing me, lol. The girl who took over prepped the DR for twins that morning. If you have some spare free time you can reach me @ jmignocchi@myway.com. It might be interesting to exchange stories. I am new to computing & the net , leaving nursing just as it was getting online. Started in 7/02 & am learning fast. I am into learning healing & working with this online. Keep the sand to a bearable minimum & stay safe. Please pass on good wishes & a Merry Christmas to those you work with & your Patient's from me? Thanx! And send your APO address so I can send some things you might enjoy? Jeanette/Canny (CannyQuietOne thanx to MSN)

Holiday Greeting to Those in Iraq
‘Twas the night before Christmas; lights lit on the tree.
Someone is missing, and I think it is thee.
The stockings all hung by the chimney with care;
But we were still wishing that you would be there.
We were all nestled all snug in our beds, with thoughts not of Santa, but a soldier instead.
I wonder how lonely this Christmas will be for our loved one who's stationed away overseas.
Christmas for families is not quite the same.
Because terrorists to our country came.
Brave Americans answered the call.
Against cowards and evil who were showing such gall.
You have taken the challenge and chosen to stand;
For goodness and justice and protecting our land.
We pray for your safety and peace on this day.
We are honored and blessed to be able to say;
How proud and grateful we truly are,
Of YOU brave soldier serving our country afar.
Does the sand look like snow? Do the stars twinkle bright?
Are you cold and lonely on this most blessed night?
Do you know that you're loved? Do you know that we care?
When you feel all alone, know we will always be there.
Feel all our love, get strength from our prayers.
Miles cannot separate or keep us apart.
And although you're not with us you're here in our hearts
Stay true to your values, steadfast to your faith.
Come home to us soon, God's speed in your race.
Does the Jolly old man with the sack on his back;
Remember to visit our troops in Iraq?
He will be there for you, tonight in your dreams.
Good home cooking all part of the theme.
Visions of presents and other good things;
All the fond memories this holiday brings.
Warmth to your heart and a smile to your face;
Tonight find your peace in this far away place.
Remember you are part of a new history;
Helping Iraqi people learn to be free.
For this is just a caption in time
A small mountain for you to steadily climb.
Remember what is important to you.
2004 will bring something worthwhile and new,
And it's all because of the things that you do.
May all of God's blessings be bestowed upon you!
Proud 82nd Airborne Mom

Hi, I'm looking for letters from troops in Iraq about being away from their families during the holidays. We want to read the letter on CNN for our Christmas special show. Major Pain's latest message seems perfect. Please call me or email me to give permission to do this. I'm a producer for cnn's morning show, called "American Morning"
desiree.adib@turner.com